Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
Sneaker brands love a consolation prize. From takedown Jordan models to cheaper running shoes and budget cleats, sportswear giants have been known to replicate their highest-priced models with slightly less tech and design detail. The adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 is the latest in a long line of highly self-referential budget models, taking its look directly from Pharrell’s ultra-popular Adistar Jellyfish.
The latest colorway of the adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 takes all the guesswork out of the intention, giving the bulky runner the exact same colorway and blocking at the Orange Jellyfish, making those unfamiliar with the true bulk of Pharrell’s underwater model double-take. Starting with a white mesh base, the structural panels are all bright orange, with black stripes, laces, and logos for a bit of contrast.
adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 Solar Orange
So far, we’ve seen a few colorways of the XLG 2.0 in black, grey, and green, but this orange pair is by far the closest we’ve seen to the Jellyfish as far as color goes. The shoes are so close in general look that during the Sneaker of the Year panel in Vegas over the weekend, a new nickname for the shoe was coined: Squids.
The adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 Solar Orange will be released Spring 2026 through adidas and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is still TBD. For all the latest adidas news and drop info, make sure to check out the Sole Retriever mobile app.
